Marlon Harewood scored twice on his full home debut as the Reds won their first game in six against relegation-threatened Scunthorpe.
A bright start from the Reds saw Harewood's run on goal stopped at the second attempt by Iron keeper Josh Lillis and Danny Haynes headed straight at the stopper from a Keiran Trippier cross.
Scunthorpe went close when Michael Collins' rasping angled drive was beaten away well by Steele and Joe Garner headed wide as the Iron threatened only from set pieces.
The impressive Paul McShane twice went close with efforts from Trippier corners and Jason Shackell also headed narrowly over as the Reds controlled the first half.
Scunthorpe did come out with vigour in the second half and two potential opportunities were snuffed out by the linesman's flag.
The Reds were still the better side and took the lead under somewhat fortuitous circumstances in the 62nd minute.
Jay McEveley's left wing cross rebounded out to Nathan Doyle and the midfielder cracked a shot which was tipped onto the post by Lillis and drop to the feet of Harewood, about 3 yards out and the striker gleefully tapped over the line.
The Reds set about doubling their lead and came close several times, Danny Haynes twice getting in behind the defence but unable to fashion a shot at goal.
Kieran Trippier's attempted lob was unlucky not to find the net and Chelsea loanee Jacob Mellis got into a good position before firing high over the bar.
The elusive second goal did come though, and it was that man Harewood again. A long ball by Shackell gave the big striker a lot to do but he muscled in between two Iron defenders and waited for the ball to drop before lifting beautifully over Lillis.
A third goal nearly came through subs Devaney and Butterfield before Harewood nearly lobbed in his hat-trick but Michael Collins slammed home in injury time after Steele had saved well from Mark Duffy.
Player Ratings
Luke Steele - Made a couple of good saves but didn't really have much to do. His kicking leaves a lot to be desired. 6
Kieran Trippier - Brilliant going forward, put several great crosses in and his corners were dangerous too. A bit suspect defensively. 7
Paul McShane - Immovable. Won almost every header sent his way and was unlucky not to open his Reds account with a goal. Booked. 8
Jason Shackell - Good, but not his best game. Was beaten in the air occasionally but led the side well. 6
Jay McEveley - Looked knackered towards the end but came forward really well and played a few fine passes. 7
Jim O'Brien - Pretty disappointing. Linked up well with Trippier but sadly not a patch on that guy who went to Wolves... 6
Nathan Doyle - Another good display from Doyle. Got stuck in and his shot presented the opportunity for Harewood to score. 8
Diego Arismendi - I'm not a huge fan of this guy. Treats the ball like a hot potato, never wants to hang onto it and either heads or boots it up in the air. 5
Jacob Mellis - Looked dangerous first half but faded in the second, should have scored late on. 6.5
Marlon Harewood - Two goals to get him off and running in a Barnsley shirt and hopefully more will follow. Still not entirely match fit I don't think and his first touch let him down a few times. 7.5
Danny Haynes - Really good display. Made an absolute nuisance of himself in the lead up to the first goal and struck fear into the Iron defence. 7
Subs:
Martin Devaney (for O'Brien 70) - Not as sharp as he once was but was really good to see Disco back at Oakwell. Nearly got himself on the scoresheet with a cross-cum-shot. 6
Andy Gray (for Haynes 81) - Strange player. He just ambled around and didn't get a touch I don't think...5
Jacob Butterfield (for Mellis 84) - Ran at the leggy Iron defenders and nearly made a third for Harewood. Not really enough time to make an impact. 6
Ref: Kevin Wright - got most decisions right but a few strange fouls against McShane and I've seen people sent off for less than when Lillis shoved McShane in the back of the head... 6
Barnsley MOTM: Paul McShane, absolutely immense, never lost a thing in the air and he is very very assured.
Scunthorpe MOTM: Probably that little mouthy so and so Joe Garner. Proved a real handful for McEveley and Shackell but was kept under wraps in the most part.